A report setting out the maintenance work programme for Council Homes for 2026/27.

The Committee considered a report which set out the maintenance work programme for Council Homes for 2026/27. The overall work programme budget for 2026/27 was £27.95m which maintained an acceptable reserve balance in the HRA Business Plan. In addition, there were £0.255m of General Fund costs relating to Garages and Temporary Accommodation giving a total programme cost of £28.2m. The following documents were appended to the report:

Appendix 1: Works to Housing Stock 2026-2027 Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

Appendix 2: Works to Housing Stock 2026-2027 (General Fund)

Appendix 3: Works to Housing Stock by Ward 2026-2027.

The report explained that Housing Repairs and Property Services had a responsibility to ensure that the housing stock was well maintained in accordance with the Decent Homes Standard and that Council homes were safe and healthy places to live in. The Service also worked to improve the wider environment on housing estates to meet the needs and aspirations of both the Council and its tenants.

The report added that the Service continued to have a strong focus on improving the thermal efficiency of homes in line with the Council’s Climate Change ambitions ensuring homes could be heated efficiently and cost effectively, thus reducing their carbon footprint and reducing fuel poverty. All options for new funding streams for further thermal efficiencies would be considered as and when they were launched.

Resolved -

(1)      That the planned maintenance work programme for Council Homes for 2026/27 be noted;

(2)      That to the Executive Director of Communities and Adult Social Care in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Housing be authorised to: (a) tender; and (b) enter into all necessary contracts for individual schemes that begin within the 26/27 work programme as set out in Appendix 1 & 2 of this report subject to sufficient funding being available in the approved Budget (£28.20m across HRA and General Fund) to meet the cost of the schemes.